Kim has been working with youth and adults for over 25 years as a teacher, director, choreographer, life coach and in the expressive arts therapies.  She is a Professional Certified Life Coach, Certified Trauma Professional, and holds an M.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Dance Movement Therapy. 

As the Co-Founder of APTB, she has created a community for individuals and their families to feel seen, heard, valued and wrapped in love and kindness as they come into the fullest expression of themselves. As a life coach and expressive arts practitioner, Kim helps individuals expand their possibilities and engage completely in their lives. She specializes in working on the psychosocial/emotional side of coping with having, or having a loved one with, medical challenges and disabilities. She has also worked extensively with teens and adults building self-esteem and confidence, healing from trauma and grief, or coping with anxiety, depression, or self-harm. Kim created “Life Beyond Diagnosis” workshops for people focusing on defining their identity and life beyond illness, and has also served as a group facilitator for teens in multiple settings ranging from self-esteem workshops to leadership and empathy building groups. She has been a speaker and workshop leader for Life With Cancer, Inova Cardiac Stress Clinic, George Mason University, VSA Intersections Festival, the Disabilities Accessibility Summit, among others, and at the Balgopal School in Baroda, India teaching about the therapeutic arts for people with disabilities.  Her recent book of musings, Finding Light (2021), explores hope, resilience, and the possibilities that lie in each of us and the world around us.

Prior to A Place To Be, Kim co-founded and served as Artistic Director of the Creative Youth Theater Foundation and served as life coach, disability consultant and choreographer at the Hill School/Hill Playhouse in Middleburg, VA and in freelance work around the DC/NOVA region. In her dance career, Kim served as the co-Artistic Director of Crossroads Dance Project. Her acclaimed choreography focused on bridging communities together with stories of our shared humanity. She has choreographed and/or directed over 25 musical theater productions, including her original show, “Reflection”, about body image and women’s’ self-worth, and 30 original modern dance works.  Her book of poetry, “Behind The Label,” inspired by the clients at A Place To Be, became the basis for their touring production seen by over 40,000 students.

Kim is deeply committed to creating safe spaces filled with authentic compassion, resilience, and wonder that help people live their best lives knowing they are “enough.”

Tom is a Certified Music Therapist and Co-Founder of A Place To Be. He graduated in 1994 from Shenandoah University with a BFA degree in Music Theater. Shortly thereafter he became head of the Theater Department for 17 years at The Hill School in Middleburg, VA. As Artistic Director of The Hill Playhouse, he produced many years of professional productions.  He directed and was a Writer/Composer for Very Special Arts of Loudoun County.  He received his Graduate Certificate in Music Therapy in 2010 and opened A Place To Be. In May of 2017, he graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy. Tom is also on the Virginia Task Force for the American Music Therapy Association helping make Music Therapy a more relevant, secure and understood therapy within the construct of federal policies and the public. He has been an adjunct professor at Shenandoah University’s Music Therapy Graduate program, and been a consultant and ambassador for the Balgopal School in Baroda, India teaching and supporting faculty in their work with students who are disabled.

Tom has written several original musicals. His shows have been performed at the Kennedy Center and The Smithsonian, and in 2010 he and his students were invited to the White House to meet the President and first lady. Tom has been a Guest Speaker and Teacher at Shenandoah University, George Mason University, and The Disability Summit in McLean, Va, and at The Virginia Association of Independent Schools. Tom also stays active as a professional actor and has headlined his own off-Broadway show, “20 Seconds.” He, along with several of his clients, are subjects of the documentary Music Got Me Here, about the power of Music Therapy.

For more information visit www.tomsweitzer.com

Rich’s enduring passion for music and the theatrical arts has shaped his diverse career. He began as a store manager for a DC-Metro music retail chain and later served as a sales manager for JazzTimes magazine and the Smithsonian Institution’s Associate Program.

For nearly two decades, Rich served as a General Manager and traveling Company Manager for an international theatrical producer, overseeing live stage productions across North America, Argentina, Israel, and South Korea.

In 2017, he graduated summa cum laude from Salisbury University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. He then applied his skills as a Case Manager for Project Home, a senior mental health residential program, and as an investigator with Maryland’s Department of Human Resources Adult Protective Services unit. 

Rich is dedicated to building and providing community services, having volunteered companionship, meal deliveries and light housekeeping to homebound hospice patients, and mentoring at-risk youth through a diversion program with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.  

In his spare time, Rich enjoys immersing himself in live music and theater, traveling, exploring National Parks, trail running, and competing in ultra-marathons.

Amy’s love for music began at an early age when her childhood dream was to be a pop singer.  She outgrew that dream but maintained a love and connection to music.  While in school she participated in band and chorus; as a young adult she enjoyed concerts and karaoke; and now music is a constant soundtrack for everyday life. 

Amy’s career began in corporate marketing and transitioned to event planning.  She spent 20 years as an entrepreneur helping clients celebrate life’s milestones.  Amy has continued that client service focus ever since.  Amy graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications (focus in Public Relations) from the University of West Georgia. 

Being connected to community is also important to Amy.  She has previously served on the boards of First Night Winchester, Women of Winchester, and the Shenandoah Wedding Professionals.  In her leisure time, Amy enjoys listening to music, wine tasting, reading and traveling.

Nikki has a diverse career background ranging from providing childcare to Human Resources and Grocery Store Management. She is an avid lover of music and the arts, and in her spare time writes music, poetry, and short stories. Nikki is a lover of traveling and languages. Having previously traveled to Finland, Sweden, and Estonia, she enjoys exploring the Scandinavian countryside learning the languages and meeting new people. Nikki is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on Human Resources.

Brandi graduated from Drury University with a Bachelors in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology, she completed her internship at A Place To Be in December 2021. Currently, she is our music therapy apprentice and internship coordinator. Brandi has experience running both individual and group experiences, including groups such as Singalong and Sensation. She enjoys creating a space for discovery, belonging and acceptance at APTB. In her free time, you will find Brandi doing puzzles, creating art pieces and passing her contagious laughter on to others! 

Manny holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Shenandoah University and serves as A Place To Be’s Public Relations & Media Manager. In this role, he is involved in everything from social media and content creation, to running live events and theater programming. Manny has worked to foster inclusive film making at A Place To Be, as well as create opportunities for individuals to learn about live sound and video. Notable examples include the Same Sky Film Festival, our yearly Story Creators Film Camp, and the educational children’s show Team Kentron. Manny has been working full time at A Place To Be since 2019, but has been creating video content for the organization starting with the touring show “Will To Survive”.

Brandon graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University before joining A Place to Be in January 2020. As a music therapist, he enjoys promoting a sense of community in his group sessions and creating therapeutic relationships with his private clients. As production supervisor, Brandon seeks to bring his experience in theater and film to the therapy room, facilitating multi-media-making opportunities for those that want to collaborate in an inclusive, safe, and educational environment. 

Stephen Smith is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and Music Producer at A Place To Be. He graduated from Shenandoah Conservatory in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Music Therapy and a minor in Classical/Jazz Percussion. Working in various capacities since 2018, Stephen has been a mentor, intern and volunteer at A Place To Be. During this time, he spearheaded the founding of the Same Sky Studios record label. He often worked with clients and staff to create and produce original therapeutic music. The Same Sky Studios record lable is the first therapeutically based record label in the nation. In his work, Stephen strives to provide space for clients to explore and grow in their identity in a variety of ways. Stephen is originally from Long Island, NY and enjoys Marvel Comics, creating original music and spending time with his cat Coltrane. 

Shirin is a Board Certified Music Therapist who joined the staff at A Place To Be in 2023. She completed her Graduate Professional Studies Program in Music Therapy at Shenandoah University in 2020 and has since worked at the Enrichment Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities in High Point Village, Lubbock, Texas. Shirin has also accumulated experience in mental health and medical settings, adeptly planning and facilitating both group and individual music therapy sessions.

Further enhancing her credentials, Shirin completed Neurologic Music Therapy training and is a certified neurologic music therapist. She holds a BA in Performing Arts from the Russian State University of Art and Theater in Moscow and a BA in Sociology from Kazan State University. Prior to relocating to the USA, she gained experience as a lead singer with the band Yummy Music and as an actress in several projects.

Shirin’s multicultural upbringing has equipped her with strong interpersonal skills and a culturally competent, client-focused approach, enabling her to effectively serve her community.

Katy Pell is a dedicated music therapist here at A Place to Be. Katy graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Throughout her career, Katy has demonstrated a deep commitment to helping clients express themselves, build emotional resilience, and achieve personal growth through creative and therapeutic musical experiences. At A Place to Be, she works closely with clients of all ages, tailoring her therapeutic approach to meet each person’s unique needs and goals. Her expertise spans individual therapy sessions, group interventions, and community outreach programs, all designed to promote healing, self-expression, and social connection.

Katy’s passion for music therapy is rooted in her belief in the transformative potential of music to heal and uplift. She is known for her compassionate approach, collaborative mindset, and ability to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can thrive.

Ali joined the APTB team in 2024 after earning a graduate degree in Professional Studies for Music Therapy Certification Eligibility at Shenandoah University and completing an 8-month clinical internship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Neurology through the Center for Music & Medicine.

As a second career, Ali was drawn to the field of music therapy for the possibilities it creates to walk alongside people of various backgrounds and contexts, merging art and science to support wellness and healing. Ali works from a person-centered therapeutic framework, grounded in the belief that all humans are unique, full of beauty and potential, and deserving of care and connection. As such, she works to partner with clients to build hopes, goals, and a therapeutic relationship to support individualized therapeutic outcomes based on the client’s desires for wellness. Empathy, authenticity, and realism are grounding values for Ali.

She works part-time as a music therapist at A Place To Be and part-time as a music therapist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Neurology through the Center for Music & Medicine.

Prior to work as a music therapist, Ali’s professional background included work as an ordained worship pastor for over a decade, a touring musician, a private music teacher, and a singer/songwriter. Her additional degrees include a B.M. in Music Ministry and an M.A. in Christian Ministry. In her free time, she can be seen spending time with her family, playing table games, going to see all the movies, and cuddling up with a blanket next to the fireplace to read and journal.

Grace graduated Magna cum laude from Berklee College of Music in 2024, where she majored in Music Therapy and minored in Psychology. She began volunteering at A Place To Be in 2019 and has since taken on various roles, including mentor and music therapy intern.

Grace is a person-centered music therapist, working with both groups and individuals.  She is very excited to be a part of the A Place To Be team and hopes to spread their mission of community and belonging.

Dan has been a highly engaged leader in our community for over 20 years. You may know him from his work as a drama teacher at The Hill School or as a theater director at Arts for All (formerly VSA). You may also know him from his work as the Adapted Physical Education Teacher or Social Learning Specialist at The Auburn School. Dan can also be credited with contributions to the People-to-People Student Ambassador Program and the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (formerly VSA Intersections).

Dan holds an M.Ed. in Education from George Mason University and a BFA in Theater for Youth from Shenandoah University.

Embracing care as an action is at the center of Dan’s overall approach. He values interactions, storytelling, and critical reflection, but above all, Dan values the time spent with his wife, son, and cat.

Kyle is an accomplished singer, actor, and pianist, having performed around the globe on some of the world’s leading cruise ship lines such as Holland America Line, and Carnival Cruise Line. He has performed at and worked for many DC area theaters including The Kennedy Center, The Workhouse Center, Creative Cauldron, and Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. Kyle also served as Interim Artistic Director for Your Act Theatrical, a youth theater company in Winchester, VA.

Most recently, Kyle lived in New York City where he worked as an accompanist for vocal studios and helped to premiere new musical works at The Green Room 42, in Times Square. Growing up in Middleburg and having been a former student of co-founders Tom
Sweitzer and Kim Tapper, Kyle spent a lot of his youth at A Place to Be. At age 15, he began as a mentor and helped to pilot the Same Sky Project and the Immersion Program. At 17, he Music Directed his first production at APTB, and at 18, wrote his first children’s musical, “Stink!” Kyle completed his high school online and spent most of his days at APTB assisting the Music Therapists and leading the Mentor Program.

Kyle studied Music Therapy at Shenandoah University, all the while continuing to Music Direct APTB’s summer musicals and be in their touring productions The Same Sky Project, A Will To Survive, and Music & Emotion. Kyle is an avid composer and writer, having written 8 children’s musicals, all having been produced by A Place To Be. Kyle is currently co-composing, alongside Co-Founder Tom Sweitzer, the full-scale musical version of “20 Seconds,” Sweitzer’s one-man show that was produced Off-Broadway in 2023.

Andres Uribe is a dynamic and creative force at A Place To Be, where he brings 3 years of experience working with children and teens, mentoring and inspiring them through the transformative power of art at the nonprofit INMED. At INMED, Andres was an integral part of the marketing and design team and served as the Outreach Director on the development team.

Starting as a volunteer, Andres quickly made his mark and was brought on board as the Art Enrichment Coordinator in August 2023. Recognizing his talent and passion, A Place To Be promoted Andres to the full-time role of Design and Engagement Coordinator in August 2024.

With a love for painting, hiking, and exploring decor and antique stores, Andres finds inspiration in every corner of life. He is also an animal lover and a firm believer that every color holds significance, helping us connect with our true selves through the medium of art. Andres continues to support other local nonprofits through his artistic endeavors.

His vibrant approach to life and art is reflected in his work, where he strives to create engaging and meaningful experiences for all.

Kayse is a Program Assistant at A Place to Be. She began her journey with APTB as a participant in the “Behind the Label” productions, later serving as a junior mentor/mentor during APTB Summer Camps. She holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Theatre from Christopher Newport University. 

In her role, Kayse supports APTB theatre productions and group sessions, helping to foster an inclusive environment for all participants. She is passionate about APTB’s mission of community and inclusion through the arts and aspires to become a Drama Therapist. In her free time, Kayse enjoys exploring the arts, reading, media production, and connecting with others.

Angelle Cook (she/her), PhD, is a registered drama therapist (RDT) and a board-certified trainer (BCT). Dr. Cook heads the dis/ability research lab at Lesley University where she is a visiting instructor and teaches Research and Thesis Seminar at NYU. Dr. Cook is the Managing Editor for Drama Therapy Review, the academic journal of the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA) as well as the current Research Chair for the NADTA. Angelle runs her own private practice in Northern Virginia working with clients through the Disability Justice lens and Critical Feminist and CRIP Theories frameworks, which intersect with her own identity locators.

Kathleen has a heart for people, creativity, and meaningful work. She received her Bachelors of Art in music with a minor in hospitality, and her Masters in Music Education from the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!). She made her way to Northern Virginia in 2017 and has loved building community and purpose here ever since. With experience spanning education, nonprofit work, corporate administration, and legal settings, Kathleen brings a unique blend of structure and soul to everything she does. 

She spent over a decade in education as a music teacher, where she led large-scale performances, supported equity initiatives, and helped students consistently exceed expectations. More recently, her work has focused on training and supporting neurodivergent adults in vocational settings, fostering growth, confidence, and independence through hands-on instruction and collaborative problem-solving.

A lifelong music educator and natural organizer, Kathleen loves roles that allow her to support mission-driven teams behind the scenes while still staying connected to the people they serve. 

Mina is a Board-Certified Music Therapist at A Place To Be. Her passion for music began in childhood and led her to attend Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., where she graduated with a concentration in opera. She attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology in August 2023.

Mina completed her internship at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she worked with children and young adults with cancer and blood disorders to support their long-term coping. With a focus on empowering clients with diverse needs (including neurodivergence, disabilities, complex medical needs, and mental health conditions), Mina facilitates individualized experiences that support functional skill development, adapted music learning, and enrichment.

Her favorite thing about music therapy is its versatility and the way it looks different for each client. She values supporting, healing, and skill-building through a person-centered framework—using one of the most powerful phenomena that exists: music. Outside of music therapy, Mina enjoys her side career as a beauty sales expert and makeup artist. 

Tanya Vanderheiden is excited to be a part of the A Place To Be team! A lifelong resident of Loudoun County, Tanya lives in Hamilton with her husband and two daughters. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre from Lees-McRae College and has enjoyed a long career as a professional performer.

Tanya continues actively performing at various regional venues and, most recently, A Place to Be. With over fifteen years of experience teaching music, drama, and dance, she is now working towards her Music Therapy certification at Shenandoah University. Tanya is passionate about the transformative power of music therapy and is excited to share her love of music and performance with the APTB community.

Hi! My name is Angie, and I’m very excited to be one of the winter 2026 interns at A Place to Be. I’m coming to APTB from Florida State University’s master’s equivalency music therapy program. Before attending FSU, I was an elementary music teacher for 2 years in Boca Raton, Florida.

My bachelor’s degree is in music education from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Can you tell I’m originally from Florida? I came to music therapy because I enjoy connecting with people and helping empower them to enact change in their lives. I’m excited to hone my skills and learn from all of the wonderful people at APTB!

Hi! My name is Brooklyn Morgan, and I am so excited to be one of the winter 2026 interns at A Place to Be. I came to APTB from Shenandoah University’s graduate music therapy Professional Studies program. Before coming to Shenandoah, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Music from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Throughout my educational and early clinical journey, I really found a passion for working with children and adolescents, 12-step recovery programs, people with IDD/DD, and fellow humans who want to connect through music. I am so excited to be at APTB and be apart from such a unique and welcoming community here in Loudon County. I am eager to grow alongside clients and their families, and to connect through our shared love of music and a sense of belonging.